Key Facts and Data Points

  • Rank in NRI 2025: 45th out of 127 economies (up 4 places from 2024).
  • Overall Score: 54.43 (up from 53.63 in 2024).
  • Global Leadership (Rank 1):
  • Annual investment in telecommunication services
  • AI scientific publications
  • ICT services exports
  • E‑commerce legislation
  • Global Leadership (Rank 2):
  • Fibre‑To‑The‑Home (FTTH)/building internet subscriptions
  • Mobile broadband internet traffic
  • International internet bandwidth
  • Global Leadership (Rank 3):
  • Domestic market scale
  • Income inequality indicators
  • Income‑Group Performance: 2nd among lower‑middle‑income countries, after Vietnam.
  • Methodology: 127 economies, 53 indicators under four pillars – Technology, People, Governance, Impact.

Background and Context

The Network Readiness Index (NRI), compiled by the Portulans Institute, assesses how prepared economies are to leverage digital technologies for growth and development. It is a key reference for policymakers to gauge progress on digital infrastructure, human capital, regulatory environment, and societal impact.

Significance for India / Governance / Policy

  • Digital India Mission: The upward movement aligns with the objectives of Digital India, emphasizing broadband penetration, e‑governance, and digital services.
  • Policy Implications: High rankings in telecom investment and AI research signal the effectiveness of recent policy measures such as the National AI Strategy and liberalisation of telecom sector.
  • Economic Impact: Strong ICT services exports and e‑commerce legislation boost services‑led growth, contributing to GDP and employment.
  • Social Equity: Ranking on income‑inequality indicators draws attention to the need for inclusive digital access to bridge the digital divide.

Related Constitutional / Legal Provisions

  • Article 19(1)(a) – Freedom of Speech & Expression: Enhanced digital platforms expand the arena for expression.
  • Information Technology Act, 2000 (as amended): Provides the legal framework for e‑commerce, cyber‑security, and digital transactions.
  • National Digital Communications Policy 2018: Aims to achieve 1,000 million broadband subscribers by 2023, supporting the FTTH and mobile broadband gains.

References